Material

Race cars shall be constructed for this event from the parts contained in the Official Pinewood Derby Kit (referred to below as the kit) as sold by the Scout stores. Materials from the kit may be supplemented with other "add-ens" with the exception of the wheels and axles.

 

Weight

Race cars may weigh no more than five (5) ounces (total weight) as determined on the official scale during the pre-race check-in. The pack scale will be available at the den meetings and workshops for those desiring to check the weight of their car. The scale will also be available at the church on the morning of the race.

 

Wheels and Axles

The car shall roll on the wheels from the kit. The wheels shall turn about the axle nails from the kit.  The axle nails shall be firmly affixed to the wood of the car body. It must be obvious to the judges that the wheels and the nails from the kit are being used. Wheels and axles may be smoothed to remove imperfections, but they must retain their original shape. Wheels may not be modified or shaped into narrow points. All four wheels must make contact with the surface of the track.

 

Wheel Exception

The scout shop sells colored wheel sets. These wheels may be substituted for the black wheels in the kit. You may NOT substitute for the axles under any circumstances.

 

Wheel Treatment

Wheel treatment (hub and tread smoothing and polishing) may not result in substantial removal of mass nor in reducing the wheel width from the original kit wheels. Some of the original "tread marks" on the wheel face must remain intact, i.e. apparent to the inspector. Wheels may not be machined to a beveled condition and the portion of the wheel surface that contacts the track must remain parallel to the axle.

 

Size

Race cars may be no longer than 7 inches, nor wider than 2-3/4 (2.75) inches, as determined by the official gauges during the Registration and Inspection. Underside clearance of at least 3/8 (0.375) inches and inside wheel to wheel clearance of at least 1-3/4 (1.75) inches is recommended, so that the car will run on the race track. Adequate clearance is the responsibility of the race car builder. The racing height of the car shall be no taller than 6 inches. For design consideration, taller cars are allowed as long as they are easily modified by the racing staff prior to the actual race. The total check in weight of the car must still meet the requirements above.

 

Weights and Attachment

Weight may be added to the car and will be considered part of the car for purposes of all measurements. All weight must be securely fastened to the car, e.g. by permanent glue, nails or screws, but not by "sticky substances", e.g. tape, or tack spray. Lead tape shall be allowed for fine tuning the weight of the car. Weights shall be passive, i.e. non-moveable, non-magnetic, non-electric, non-sticky, etc.

 

Unacceptable Construction

The following may NOT be used in conjunction with the wheels or axles: hubcaps, washers, inserts, sleeves, bearings.

 

Gravity Powered

The race car may NOT be constructed or treated in such a way that the track's starting mechanism imparts momentum to the car. (For instance, this provision disqualifies cars with sticky substances on the front of the car and protrusions which may catch on the starting pin.)

 

Lubricants

Only dry lubricants such as graphite or powdered teflon "white lube" will be allowed for lubricating the wheels. Lubricants may not foul the track. All lubricants must be applied outside of the Church facility. In the interest of safety and cleanliness, no lubricants are allowed inside the facility. Cars may NOT be lubricated again between heats.